Re-interpreting our history and collections through a diversity of voices and perspectives
Launched in 2021, Black Chiswick through History is an ongoing community research project, working in collaboration with local community groups, young people, historians and artists. Through it, we look more deeply at the history of Chiswick House & Gardens, drawing out stories that connect us to Black history and people of colour to understand and interpret Chiswick House through a diversity of voices and perspectives.
Each year, the annual Black Chiswick through History installation at Chiswick House showcases the thoughtful responses to our history and collections that the project has generated, providing a platform for new voices and enriching the experience of all our visitors.
Explore the project
Year 4 – Digging deeper into the story of James Cumberlidge
In 2025, historian Nadege Forde-Vidal and artist Ayesha Weekes worked in collaboration with the West London Ghanaian Association to explore the life of James Cumberlidge, one of the few people of African heritage in Britain whose likeness was captured and preserved for posterity.
Year 3 – Timeline: Celebrating hidden stories
In 2024, the Black Chiswick through History project celebrated the lives of some of the men, women and children of African heritage associated with Chiswick House and estate in the 18th century.
Year 2 – Putting the colour back into Chiswick House
In 2023, facilitator Ayesha Weekes worked with young people from Hogarth Youth and Community Centre to explore how the original interiors seen in Chiswick House were inspired by the legacy and style of Ancient Egypt.
Year 1 – 300 years of Built and Natural Design
In its pilot year in 2021, the Black Chiswick through History project worked with young people from Chiswick School and Hogarth Youth and Community Centre to research and produced creative responses to six objects within our collection, including the Caracalla bust, the painting of The Moroccan Ambassador and the Sphinx.
In Partnership with
